iMac 24" buy question

[WCSG]

Hi all, I've been thinking about buying a iMac and considered a close out deal or refurb versus new. I was thinking the 2.8 or 2.6 and 24". Is there a difference between 677 memory and the 800? Are the other differences as well to consider? I have an older mac now, quiksilver and I'm sure it will be a day night difference.

I will be using it to use imovie, AI and PS graphic programs. Not really for games, I have a Peecee for that.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

-Erik

 

[McGiord]

For how long are you planning to keep it?
If you want to keep it for using it with Snow Leopard in the future then you better go with the a refurb fastest one.
________
extreme vaporizer

 

[WCSG]

I'm sorry I meant to say 677 vs the 800. Is there a noticeable difference?

 

[savvos]

The FSB is one of the big bottlenecks with the current Intel architecture (which is why Nehalem getting rid of the FSB is such a big thing). That said, there are other bottlenecks. Here are some tests done by Barefeats to give you an idea. The faster FSB does show a slight speed increase:

http://www.barefeats.com/imp02.html

 

[WCSG]

Thank you for that link. Boy that Mac Pro is fast, almost discouraging me to buy the Imac, but that's all the $$$$ I'm willing to throw on a unit at this point.

I'm also considering the 3.0Ghz with the faster vid card now. Damn, too much to think about now. I'm sure I'll be happier with a 800 machine. Any word on when the next Gen comes out? Maybe prices will drop a little on the machines now.

 

[WCSG]

Just had another after thought.

If I buy the 2.8GHz machine is it less expensive down the road to upgrade the graphics card down the road, or should I just buy the 3GHz machine?

 

[The Hammer]

Just had another after thought.

If I buy the 2.8GHz machine is it less expensive down the road to upgrade the graphics card down the road, or should I just buy the 3GHz machine?

It might be less expensive down the road, but if I could afford the 3.06ghz I'd get that and be done with it.

 

[WCSG]

I decided to buy a refurb from apple.

I went with the 3.06GHz with 8800 NVidia Card. I'm excited

Now it's time to pick up a iPhone

 

[savvos]

That's an awesome machine, congratulations.